Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States, affecting almost 20% of adults each year.
Many people with anxiety also seek treatment for depression, and nearly half of individuals with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety.
As the statistics show, anxiety and depression are intricately connected. Depression is often triggered by a heightened state of anxiety, which leads to feelings of hopelessness and overwhelm, which creates more anxiety and stress – and the cycle continues.
One of the most effective methods of treating anxiety and depression is Cognitive behavioral therapy. Our patterns of thought can change through neuroplasticity and the power of cognition. Neuroplasticity is essentially the brain's ability to change, influencing our feelings, moods, actions, and the way we live.
Behavioral activation is another method of treating anxiety and depression. Behavioral activation includes exercise, yoga, talking to friends, and participating in self-care activities.
Some individuals with depression and/or anxiety may be unmotivated or afraid to participate in activities that are good for them. By forcing themselves to take action, clients may feel better physically and mentally and can break the cycle. Regular attendance to a women's 12-step group slowly lowered my wall and years of isolation and depression. The love and acceptance of women I let know me was more therapeutic than any office I had been to. The world of recovery offers so many tools to heal brokenness and work through everyday trauma struggles. Improving neuroplasticity with repetitive practice of new skills for life and supportive group.
Exposure therapy is an evidence-based approach for treating anxiety that exposes clients to situations or objects that trigger anxiety or fear. Through repeated exposure, clients can feel an increased sense of control.
While anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues, many forms of psychotherapy have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms. Behavioral therapy includes some of the most effective treatments for anxiety and depression.
I'm just going to talk about two different behavioral therapy approaches here.
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment founded on the premise that our thoughts control our emotions and behavior.
It is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that examines the link between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. In CBT sessions, people will learn to recognize cognitive distortions or “thinking traps,” such as all-or-nothing thinking and making faulty assumptions.
Once the negative thought pattern is identified, people practice more rational and positive ways to view situations and experiences. Most CBT therapists include a homework component so that the person can practice identifying and changing thoughts in real-life personal situations.
This has always been the most helpful style of therapy for me. Interviewing a therapist is a good idea to learn what issues they treat and what their therapeutic approach is.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a form of CBT that aims to give people skills to regulate emotions, improve relationships, handle stress, and live mindfully.
It was initially created to treat people with borderline personality disorder, but it is now used to help people with a wide range of mental conditions. DBT teaches people that our experiences are real, but total acceptance, distress tolerance skills, and mindfulness can help us handle negative feelings, conflict, and impulsive tendencies.
Although I desperately needed those skills when I was sent to a DBT clinic. My personal experience was not good at all. As with all patient-therapist relationships, there are good and bad fits. I could not advocate very well for myself during those years and left irritated.
DBT usually has a homework component and can be done in individual or group sessions.
Signing off for this week,
Editor of A Broken Mind,
Michelle Hall